Regulatory
Bipartisan legislation reintroduced to protect utilities, ratepayers from PFAS costs
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has expressed strong support for the reintroduction of the Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to protect water utilities from undue financial burdens associated with PFAS cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Wisconsin to invest $145 million in PFAS cleanup for municipal water systems
Gov. Tony Evers has announced a $145 million initiative as part of his 2025-27 Executive Budget to combat PFAS contamination, protect families from harmful water pollutants, and improve access to clean drinking water across Wisconsin.
Maryland lawmakers push to curb BGE pipeline spending, citing safety and cost concerns
Maryland lawmakers and regulators are raising concerns over Baltimore Gas & Electric’s (BGE) multibillion-dollar pipeline replacement program, citing rising costs for consumers and questions about its effectiveness in improving safety.
Trump order halts EPA’s proposed limits on PFAS discharges
The Office of Management and Budget withdrew the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule on Clean Water Act Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) and Standards for PFAS Manufacturers on Jan. 21.
Bloomington, Minn., adopts sewer fee to support infrastructure upgrades
Bloomington’s growing redevelopment has pushed parts of the city’s sanitary sewer system to capacity, prompting the need for $55 million in upgrades by 2040.
Washington Watch: Trump regulatory changes afoot for pipelines
Trump’s regulatory changes could impact pipeline approvals, with shifts in key environmental laws. Expected revisions to NEPA, the Clean Water Act, and methane regulations could accelerate or delay projects, depending on the new administration’s stance.
FERC reinstates certificate for Williams' Transco Pipeline's expansion project
The U.S. energy regulator has reinstated the certificate for Williams Companies' Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line (Transco) on Friday, the company said on Monday, which would allow the expansion of the project.
EPA settlement mandates $30 million sewer upgrades for Cahokia Heights, Ill.
Cahokia Heights, Illinois, has agreed to a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Justice, and the state of Illinois over long-standing sanitary sewer violations. The city will invest an estimated $30 million in upgrades to address improper sewage discharges and improve system reliability.
Editor’s Log: Where credit is due
As 2025 begins, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act remains a focal point, with officials vying for credit. Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter reflects on the act's impact, bipartisan origins, and the immense work still needed to rebuild America’s infrastructure.
FEMA invests $19.4 million in sewer line extension for Lahaina, Maui recovery
FEMA is investing $19.4 million to extend a sewer line to the Kilohana Temporary Group Housing Site, with long-term benefits for Lahaina and surrounding neighborhoods.
Driggs, Idaho commits to $25 million wastewater upgrade after Clean Water Act violations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Justice, the state of Idaho, and the City of Driggs, Idaho have agreed on a series of measures the city will undertake to address chronic violations of the Clean Water Act, including a major upgrade of its wastewater treatment plant.
PHMSA proposes tougher safety rules for carbon dioxide pipelines
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has unveiled a proposal to strengthen safety requirements for carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hazardous liquid pipelines.
Sen. Ossoff's law to upgrade East Point, Ga., water infrastructure signed
The law expands an existing authorization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support water infrastructure projects in East Point, with the goal of improving quality of life and enhancing resilience in the city.
EPA fines developers for stormwater violations in Puerto Rico
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined The Cliff Corp. and Grupo Caribe, LLC a combined $50,000 for violating the Clean Water Act during the construction of an 86-villa residential development in the Borinquen Ward of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
EPA and Washington fine Seattle, King County for sewer overflow violations
The Washington Department of Ecology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have jointly issued penalties to Seattle and King County for violations related to combined sewer overflows.
2024 election sets an interesting table
On Nov. 5, Donald Trump was elected America’s 47th president, after what is considered one of the biggest political comebacks in recent history.
FERC rejects effort to regulate Williams’ gathering line
(UI) — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) just gave a big boost to interstate pipelines that are considering new connections between shale fields and customers.
OSHA cites Glenburn, Maine contractor in fatal trench collapse at Brownville worksite
While installing storm drainage pipes at a Brownville worksite, a retaining wall collapsed, killing one worker and injuring another. OSHA cited Patriot Paving Group LLC for multiple safety violations, including failing to brace the wall and remove workers from the hazardous trench.
Texas contractor penalized by OSHA for repeated trench safety violations
A U.S. Department of Labor workplace safety investigation has found a Frisco, Texas, contractor repeatedly exposed workers to serious hazards by sending them into unprotected trenches without providing a means of escape.
GOP lawmakers criticize New York for halting $500 million pipeline project
In a Dec. 5 letter addressed to Governor Hochul, Republican lawmakers from New York and Pennsylvania expressed strong criticism of New York State's decision to block the Northern Access Pipeline, a $500 million natural gas infrastructure project.
OSHA cites Florida contractors for trench safety violations at sewer and excavation sites
OSHA has cited two Florida contractors for trench safety violations at sewer and excavation sites in Jacksonville and Daytona Beach. Inspectors found workers exposed to cave-in hazards without proper protections, prompting citations for willful and serious violations.
Biden-Harris administration invests $849 million in aging water infrastructure, drought resilience
The Biden-Harris administration has announced an $849 million investment to upgrade aging water delivery systems across the western United States, aiming to bolster drought resilience and improve water infrastructure.
OSHA extends comment period for proposed heat rule
OSHA has extended the public comment period for its proposed heat injury prevention rule to Jan. 14, 2025, allowing stakeholders more time to provide feedback.
Iowa American Water making progress on EPA mandate, with nearly 1,300 lead service lines replaced so far
Iowa American Water has successfully replaced almost 1,300 customer-owned lead and galvanized steel water service lines to date as part of its ongoing lead service line replacement program, the company announced.
FERC approves Texas-Louisiana expansion project by Natural Gas Pipeline Company
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved the Texas-Louisiana Expansion Project, filed by Natural Gas Pipeline Co. of America, a Kinder Morgan subsidiary, according to a FERC filing on Nov. 21.
Permitting reforms seen as crucial to Northeast, nation’s energy woes
The state of Massachusetts earlier in 2024 joined its fellow New England states, along with Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and New York in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for coordinating their activities to improve interregional transmission planning and development.
Editor's Log: The anticipated return of pipelines
The underground infrastructure sector anticipates significant changes with Trump’s return, especially for pipeline construction, as easing regulations and renewed support signal a potential boom. Underground Infrastructure will spotlight these shifts at its upcoming conference.
EPA launches initiative to combat PFAS in drinking water systems in disadvantaged communities
The initiative, part of the EPA's Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) program, will provide no-cost technical assistance to help public drinking-water systems in 200 communities over the next three years.
Construction set to start on $627 million Toledo Bay View wastewater facility in 2025
(UI) — Construction on the Bay View Wastewater Treatment Plant in Toledo is set to begin in Spring 2025 following the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's completion of a Limited Environmental Review.
Enbridge Line 5 reroute clears hurdle with Wisconsin DNR permit approval
Enbridge's proposed relocation involves replacing a 41-mile segment of its 645-mile Line 5 pipeline with a new 30-inch diameter pipe running through Ashland, Bayfield, and Iron counties.
- Intrepid Fiber breaks ground on fiber optic network in Superior, Colo.
- Excavator collides with I-95 overpass in Henrico, Va., causing multi-vehicle crash
- Shrewsbury, Mass., expands sewer inspections and cleaning efforts
- Authorities investigating trench collapse that killed worker in Ashburn, Va.
- Worm-like robot burrows underground to cut power line installation costs